Advertisement

CDC urges people to get flu vaccines

ATLANTA, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. health officials Monday urged residents to get flu shots after Thanksgiving, a time when public demand typically drops off.

"Since flu activity typically does not peak until February or later, November and December are also good times to be vaccinated," said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Julie Gerberding.

Advertisement

Some 77 million flu vaccine doses have already been distributed and vaccine supply is expected to reach an all-time high of 110 to 115 million doses, the CDC said.

This is at least 27 million to 32 million more doses than have been distributed in any past flu season and 29 million to 34 million more doses than were distributed last year.

The CDC is concerned that if people do not get flu shots, millions of doses will be thrown out, discouraging manufacturers from making as much vaccine in the future.

Latest Headlines